Hey Sara, with 3 of 4 tenant non-paying you've definitely got your work cut out for you.I don't know what work is being done right now but in my experience non-paying tenants aren't exactly cooperate when contractors.My suggestion would be to get rid of the non-payers ASAP.

Early Financial freedom will forever elude the person earning a middle class income, but who is unwilling to do some combination of quitting their job for something much higher risk/reward, like starting a business, drastically cutting back on expenses, etc.

I'm an easygoing roommate and looking to cut costs and also have a more fun experience sharing space with a woman who invests. 

You can not “short cut” it.  5.

Find ways to cut expenses.

You have to let them get tired of paying the gas and electric, cutting the grass etc.I just closed one 10 days ago where the lady had every one of my letters I sent over a whole year.

I've wanted to get into real estate for a long time but typically moving into that realm in a w2 position means a decent pay cut and probable loss of all the other good stuff.

(Long time home owner but this would be my first rental so I'm on the edge of the diving board, looking down into that deep dark pool.) 

I do know that very few municipalities won't require egress and life safety considerations.

I woke up today with plenty of "Price Cuts" from the listings.